Chapter 213: The Assassination Begins
"Damn it!"
The faces of the men darkened as they cautiously scanned every corner of the room.
They stepped inside slowly, their nerves on edge, fearing that Bai Li Changqing might suddenly appear from the shadows.
"How could you not think to look up?"
Ye Fan's voice rang out in frustration.
At that moment, Bai Li Changqing was clinging to the ceiling like a spider! His black clothes blended perfectly with the darkness of the night.
With a faint smile playing on his lips, he watched the group below. These men seemed to be the same ones he had encountered earlier.
Were they here to kill him and steal the Sword of Annihilation?
As the thought crossed his mind, a cold killing intent flickered in his eyes.
For an assassin, it was crucial to avoid trouble while hunting a target. But since trouble had come knocking, he had no choice but to deal with it.
In an instant, he moved.
He dropped silently from the ceiling.
Draw sword!
Zing, zing—
As soon as his blade was drawn, a cold light flashed above the men's heads!
"Above us!"
They finally realized the danger, but as they raised their weapons to strike, they felt sharp pain surge through their bodies.
Eighth-Rank Martial Technique: Cherry Blossom Dance of Blades!
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—
Several dazzling sword lights flashed, and in an instant, their bodies fell to the ground in pieces.
Their weapons were sliced in half, their bodies reduced to fragments.
Killed Ninth-Rank Martial Artist, gained 9,000 Evolution Points.
Killed Ninth-Rank Martial Artist, gained 9,000 Evolution Points.
Killed Ninth-Rank Martial Artist, gained 9,000 Evolution Points.
Killed Ninth-Rank Martial Artist, gained 9,000 Evolution Points.
Absorbed Ninth-Rank Martial Artist's blood essence, gained 9 points of energy.
Absorbed Ninth-Rank Martial Artist's blood essence, gained 9 points of energy.
...
As the system's notifications flooded in, Bai Li had successfully killed four Ninth-Rank martial artists.
The blood that seeped from their bodies was quickly absorbed by the Sword of Annihilation, along with the remnants of their energy.
A portion of that energy flowed back into Bai Li's body, rejuvenating him.
Bai Li closed his eyes, savoring the surge of energy coursing through him.
Though it wasn't overwhelming, it was still a decent boost.
"As expected, it really is a demonic sword."
After absorbing the energy, Bai Li couldn't help but marvel.
If he continued to kill high-rank martial artists, the energy he gained would be immense.
With the sword's ability to enhance its wielder's power, it wouldn't be difficult to rise from Martial Master to Martial King, or even Martial Saint, just by killing enough people.
"But wanton killing might lead to falling into the demonic path."
Bai Li muttered to himself, sheathing the Sword of Annihilation.
For him, killing wasn't a source of pleasure. It was simply work.
He reached into his storage ring and retrieved a small ceramic bottle.
Opening the lid, he scattered a powder over the dismembered bodies on the floor.
The moment the powder touched the remains, the bodies began to dissolve at an alarming rate.
In mere moments, even the bones had completely disintegrated.
It was corpse-dissolving powder.
"That powder is terrifyingly effective."
Ye Fan muttered, astonished by the scene.
After disposing of the bodies, Bai Li cleaned up the area and resumed his seated position on the floor, returning to his cultivation.
Though his mission was to assassinate Ye Liechang, the marquis of Blue Moon City, he knew that the timing wasn't yet right.
...
In the heart of Blue Moon City stood the imposing City Lord's Mansion.
It was larger and more fortified than most city lord's residences, surrounded by towering walls.
It was practically a city within a city.
Inside the mansion, Ye Liechang lay comfortably with his head resting on the lap of a beautiful woman as one of his subordinates reported to him.
"Are you saying someone has hired Falling Moon Pavilion to assassinate me?" Ye Liechang asked lazily while enjoying fruit fed to him by the beauty.
"Yes, my lord. Our sources have confirmed it. The assassin they've dispatched is said to be Bai Li Changqing, the strongest of the new generation in Falling Moon Pavilion."
A man dressed in armor responded respectfully.
"Bai Li Changqing? Never heard of him."
Ye Liechang scoffed, unimpressed.
"Do you think he has what it takes to kill me, Ye Zhang?"
He turned to the muscular man standing nearby.
"I swear to defend you with my life, my lord."
"No assassin will touch you while I live," Ye Zhang replied firmly, his aura exuding strength.
"Good. Then what's there to worry about?"
Ye Liechang sneered.
"And as for this Falling Moon Pavilion… how dare they accept a contract on my life. Send men to destroy them."
Ye Liechang's voice was filled with disdain as he waved a hand dismissively.
"This…"
Ye Zhang hesitated for a moment.
The Falling Moon Pavilion was one of the most powerful assassin organizations. It was said that its founder was a near-Martial God at the peak of Martial Saint.
For years, many forces had tried to destroy the organization, but none had succeeded.
"Never mind, we'll deal with them later."
Ye Liechang waved his hand dismissively.
"You may leave."
"Yes, my lord."
Ye Zhang bowed and left the room.
"Now, my beauty, let's not waste this lovely night, hahahaha."
With Ye Zhang gone, Ye Liechang's attention shifted to more carnal desires.
...
Late at night.
Bai Li Changqing's figure appeared on the streets once again.
Clad in black, with a hat and a dark veil covering his face, he moved with ghost-like agility.
With a light leap, he landed silently on the rooftops and sprinted toward his destination.
His movements were light and nimble, barely making a sound as he traversed the rooftops.
Though he could fly, using that ability would increase the chances of being detected.
Soon, he spotted the towering walls of the City Lord's Mansion.